If, after years of styling your hair with the blow dryer you got on sale back in 2008, you've finally decided to make your life easier and invest in a professional-quality tool, you're not alone. But where do you start? The best professional hair dryers, as it turns out, are not so easy to spot. There are literally hundreds of models to choose from, each promising different things; less frizz, more volume, less heat damage. And that's not to mention unfamiliar features like wattage, motor materials, speed settings, and cool shot buttons. It can all be a little confusing.
Luckily, armed with a little bit of knowledge about what makes a professional hair dryer worth it, plus a basic understanding of your hair's needs, choosing the right hair dryer is easier than you think. For example, frequent travelers will love the T3 Micro Featherweight Compact Folding Dryer because it folds up for easy storage and is loved by professional hair stylists. Similarly, a titanium option, like the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dryer (which is also great if you're on a budget), is best if you have thick, long hair because of how heavy-duty (and therefore, quick-drying) it is.
Below are five different, yet equally as effective, professional hair dryers, each designed with unique features to benefit a certain hair type or desired style. With one of these dryers, you'll be able to easily achieve an at-home blowout that'll rival that of your favorite salon. Happy drying!